Biology, commercial catch and potential use of "tucunare" (Cichla monoculus Pisces: Cichlidae) in ucayali, Peru

© Facultad de Ciencias Bioĺgicas UNMSM. Biological characterization of fisheries is essential for an adequate use and management. From February 1999 to January 2000 length-weight ratio, global sexual proportion, egg laying season, mature length, and feeding habit data were recorded from 250 specimens of Cichla monoculus "tucunare". The standard length (SL) - eviscerated weight (SL-EW) ratio is isometric for both males and females with a joint relation EW = 0,0184∗ SL3.0963 Global sexual proportion is near 1:1. Egg laying is during the Ucayali river wet season (October-January). Calculated mature length for females is about 26,5 cm SL and it is proposed as catch length for regulatory purposes. Tucunare feeds mainly from fishes, predominantly median and small Characiformes (Cheirodon. Ctenobrycon, Hoplias, Leporinus and Psectrogaster). But also Siluriformes (Corydoras, Hypostominae, Loricariinae, Pimelodidae), Perciformes (Aequidens, Crenicichla) and Gymnotiformes (Sternopygidae) which suggests that the feeding occurs at daylight and sunset. C. monoculus has potential use for fish farming, specially in extensive method. Coming from lentic environments, it reproduces naturally annually, and can also be used as a fish controller.